NEW–More new information on globalization—More relevant information about the global economy since the tragic events of 9/11.
~Alerts students to how globalization affects the world of international business.
NEW–Updated statistics—Throughout the book.
~Provides the most current information, facts, and figures.
NEW—Extensive updates to the expatriate and global human resource information—Attentive to all phases of transferring personnel abroad, including selection, cross-cultural preparation, in-country support, repatriation, and utilization of skills gained abroad for future assignments.
~Argues that expatriate assignments must be managed in a more systematic, holistic, and long-term way.
The conceptual approach–Offers a framework by which any cross-cultural business situation can be analyzed.
~Provides the reader with a number of theories or paradigms that allow the reader to better understand any culture, anywhere in the world.
Cross cultural business scenarios (breakdowns in communication)–Contains seven in each of chapters 2-8.
~Offer practice for the student in analyzing the reasons behinds cross-cultural misunderstandings.
Very user friendly–Particularly for undergraduates.
~Manages to cover the topic while avoiding disciplinary jargon from either cultural anthropology or international business studies.
Knowledge base and skill/competency emphasis–Both of which are essential for becoming an effective global business professional.
~Deals with both the cognitive content learning (knowledge base) as well as the affective realm (skill/competencies).
Value dimensions model–Examines individualism vs. collectivism; equality vs. hierarchy; tough vs. tender societies; varying levels of uncertainty avoidance; and certain aspects of time.
~Describes each of these dimensions, shows students how they play out in different types of societies, and then explores their implications for conducting business.
An in-depth look at the concept of culture.
~Enables students to explore what generalizations hold true for all cultures of the world, and the implications of those generalizations for international business.
Examination of some of the critical dimensions of communication–Both verbal and nonverbal, in a cross-cultural business setting.
~Alerts students to its various affects on international business activities.
A consideration of cultural self-awareness.
~Helps students to better understand the cultural assumptions of culturally different peoples, as well as their own.
A wide variety of sources for locating culture-specific information.
~Teaches students how and where to find the material needed for a successful adjustment to any particular international business assignment or situation.
Chapter-end problem-solving exercises and scenarios.
~Gives students an opportunity for active involvement–to try to figure out what the critical issues are in specific breakdowns in cross-cultural communications.
An extensive appendix.
~Explores a number of anthropological and non-anthropological data sources–documentary and human–that can be used to develop a profile of any particular culture.
Illustrative and boxed material.
~Presents students with a more visually appealing and easier to understand text.
